Does my child have to have the nasal spray flu vaccine?

No. As with all immunisations, flu vaccinations for children are optional. Remember, though, that this vaccine will protect them from what can be an unpleasant illness, as well as stopping them spreading flu to vulnerable friends and relatives.

Can my child have the injected vaccine that doesn't contain gelatine instead?

The nasal vaccine offers the best protection for your child and it reduces the risk to others, including those too young to be vaccinated and those who may be more vulnerable to the complications of flu.

The injected vaccine is not thought to reduce the spread as effectively, so it's not being offered to healthy children as part of this programme.

If your child is at high risk from flu as the result of one or more medical conditions or treatments and can't have the nasal flu vaccine because of this, they should have the flu vaccine by injection.